Don't Stand So Close to Me

By: Eric Walters

Narrated by: Gabi Epstein

Thirteen-year-old Quinn and her friends can't believe their luck when spring break is extended an extra two weeks—even if it's because of some virus.

But when the impact of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic becomes apparent, everyone, not just the students, has to learn to adjust to their new reality. Quinn’s father is an ER doctor and has to self-isolate to protect his family from the virus. Isaac’s mother is the chief of police and now has to enforce new physical-distancing bylaws. Reese can’t visit her grandmother in her care home anymore. And their entire school has moved to online classes. Sacrifices have to be made to keep everyone safe, but there’s more to life than rules and scary news reports. In an effort to find some good in all this uncertainty, Quinn comes up with an idea that she hopes will bring the entire community together.

Orca Book Publishers is pleased to offer Don't Stand So Close for Me in two accessible editions. The audiobook features alternate text descriptions of images, including the cover. The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

©2020 Eric Walters (P)2024 Orca Book Publishers

Critic reviews

“It’s a positive story about a very negative event that will be one for the history books. Don’t Stand So Close to Me takes readers into the pandemic of their experiences and, while teaching them important safety concerns that not all children will have learned about, reassures and provides hope.” (Helen Kubiw, CanLit for Little Canadians)

“Navigates the experience of this unique time period with heart. I couldn't put it down. My students won't be able to either.” (Kim Moss, Teacher-Librarian, Creekside Middle School, Bentonville, AR)

“Wow–just wow! I LOVED it! Great story, cute without being overly so, funny, honest and fast- paced.” (Kristen Badger, Media Specialist, Switzerland Point Middle School, Jacksonville, Florida)